Friday, November 23, 2018

PAK SCAN: Indian Army Chief Should Think Before Speaking

PAK SCAN: Indian Army Chief Should Think Before Speaking

Pakistan is still very open to hold dialogue with India on all matters, including terrorism

Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal on Thursday criticised the Indian army chief for his belligerent statements and said the officer needs to exercise restraint and “should think before speaking”, Express News reported.

Addressing the weekly press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Islamabad, Dr Faisal said that the issue of Ajmal Qasab’s domicile was recently brought to his attention. “The Indian army chief should exercise caution and think before speaking, however, this does not seem to be the case from the Indian authorities.”

“India did not invite Pakistan intentionally to the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, whereas Pakistan has invited India on all forums for dialogue on terrorism and other issues.”

The FO advised the country’s eastern neighbour to sort out its internal issues first and not drag Pakistan into every matter to whip up anti-Pakistan sentiment before the upcoming elections.

“Pakistan unequivocally rejects the statements made by Indian Punjab chief minister.”

Dr Faisal added that Pakistan’s policy of restraint should not be taken as weakness, Radio Pakistan reported.

Responding to a question, he said, “belligerent statements from India have become a routine matter”.

The spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan is still very open to hold dialogue with India on all matters, including terrorism.

Referring to the recent abduction and murder of SP Tahir Dawar, the FO said Kabul had not provided any information regarding the police official’s murder, however, Pakistan is investigating the murder.

The spokesperson also said that Pakistan tweeted in response to Trump to set the record straight, adding that “Pakistan cooperated with the US and provided intelligence regarding Al Qaeda terrorists.”We are aware of the contact between the Afghan Taliban and US, which we fully support, Dr Faisal stated.

Dr Faisal also shed light on the recently concluded two-day official visit of Prime Minister Imran to Malaysia and said it was at the invitation of the Malaysian premier. He added that improvement of bilateral relations and increase in trade were discussed during the visit.

“Eradication of terrorism from the region through mutual efforts also came under discussion,” said the spokesperson.

Dr Faisal also condemned Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir and fully supported the condemnation of Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC).